Muzaffarabad: Broadband internet services have been partially restored in several areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Mirpur, Bhimber, Neelum and Leepa, following a prolonged suspension of internet connectivity in the region.
AJK Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Ali Gillani said internet services had been restored in the affected areas, while connectivity in Muzaffarabad would be restored in the coming days. Internet services for educational institutions had already been resumed.
The restoration has provided DSL and broadband access to residents, businesses, students and professionals who had faced difficulties because of the suspension. However, 3G and 4G mobile internet services remain unavailable and are expected to be restored later.
The AJK government has been restoring internet services in phases across the region. Broadband services were previously resumed in some areas, while access in other districts was initially limited to educational institutions and banks.
The internet shutdown followed protests and political activity linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee. Services were partially restored earlier but were suspended again in Muzaffarabad following a strike and clashes.
The disruption affected several sectors, including education, business and professional activities. Students faced difficulties accessing online learning resources, while traders, freelancers and other professionals reported problems carrying out work requiring internet connectivity.
The latest restoration also follows directions from the AJK High Court. During the preliminary hearing of petitions filed by the AJK Bar Association and a local resident, the court directed the government to restore internet services within 10 days, while allowing exceptions for areas where law and order conditions prevented the resumption of services.
The AJK government has continued the phased restoration, with broadband and DSL services now available in several parts of the region. Mobile internet services remain suspended in the affected areas.
